Match Play and the Spin of the Ball Paperback – April 16, 2023

The “Bible of Tennis”, written by the first American winner of WimbledonOften called “The Bible of Tennis”, Match Play and the Spin of the Ball is a must-read for any serious tennis player. Written by the greatest tennis player and advocate of his time - William T. Tilden - this book is a treasure trove of tennis knowledge. Tilden's emphasis on watching the ball is just the beginning. He covers grips, serves, footwork, conditioning, and more, with clarity and simplicity. With insight into how defense and attack work together, he expands on the all-court game, pace, and speed.With tips, tricks, and best practices packed across 13 chapters that have stood the test of time, you will improve your game and analytical skills from Tilden's sage advice. Tennis pro’s spanning generations – from Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic to Serena Williams, Billie Jean King, and Martina Navratilova – have implemented and benefitted from this advice.It’s an absolute must-have – and whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this is a book not to be missed.About the author: Bill Tilden was an American tennis player who dominated the world of international tennis in the first half of the 1920s. Known as "Big Bill," he was the world No. 1 amateur for six consecutive years, from 1920 to 1925, and was ranked as the world No. 1 professional by Ray Bowers in 1931 and 1932 and Ellsworth Vines in 1933.Tilden won a total of 14 Major singles titles, including 10 Grand Slam events, one World Hard Court Championships and three professional majors. He was the first American man to win Wimbledon, taking the title in 1920. He also won a joint-record seven U.S. Championships titles (shared with Richard Sears and Bill Larned). He holds a number of all-time tennis achievements to this day, including the career match-winning record and the career winning percentage at the U.S. Championships.Tilden won his last Major title in 1930 at Wimbledon when he was 37 years old. He turned professional at the end of that year and spent the next 15 years touring with other professionals. He remains one of the most celebrated tennis players of all time, remembered for his remarkable achievements and dominance of the sport. Read more